From the oldest soils of Rioja... Lacrimus wines are here!

Published: 14 Nov 2022Updated: 23 Nov 2022

From the oldest soil of Rioja, to our relatively modern London and Southwest cellars, we're excited to announce that our new range of Lacrimus wines have arrived!

Over the last 120 million years, erosion has revealed the Creataceous soils and dinosaur footprints. Today, the vines roots are sharing with dinosaur fossils the richness of the soil, and wine maker, Javier Rodriguez is working closely with a team to obtain the major expression of the vineyards. Based on sustainable and ecological viticultural methods, the vineyards are increasingly falling into the framework of bio-dynamics where dinosaurs once roamed.

What should we expect from wines that have dinosaurs on their labels?

Lacrimus Rioja Blanco is made using 100% Tempranillo Blanco, a variety that mutated from the red Tempranillo. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tank and classified as vegan.

Lacrimus 5 Rioja is made using Tempranillo vines that are 20-30 years old and planted at 500m altitude. The must remains in contact with the skins for 12-15 days to obtain a higher expression of colour whilst softening the tannins. After fermentation the wine is aged for 5 months in American oak with incisions to create more wood surface contact. This wine can be best described as a "semi-crianza".

Lacrimus Rioja Crianza is a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano. The vines are Gobelet and over 40 years old, planted at altitudes of 600m above sea level. Given the contrasting temperatures of night and day, the wines are much more aromatic and set in colour. Cold maceration for 8 days is followed by fermentation lasting around 3 weeks. Ageing then takes place in new French and Hungarian oak barrels for 12-14 months. The wine is then matured in bottle for a further 6 months before being released.

Lacrimus Rioja Reserva shares the same grape blend as the Crianza. After fermentation the wine is matured for 21 months in French oak and then aged in bottle for a minimum 18 months before release. The end result gives you a wine with wild black berries, liquorice, nuts and chocolate. Full-bodied but kind, pairing well with sophisticated dishes.

Shop this new range of Spanish wines here.

William Phaure, Wine Development Manager, WSET Level 4 Diploma

20+ years in the wine industry with a particular taste for Italian reds and French wines from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux.